We’re Hiring!
Applications Open for New Recruits
APPLICATIONS FOR LATERAL OFFICERS NOW OPEN
Requirements for Lateral Applicants:
- Two years of experience as a P.O.S.T. certified officer in Colorado or out of state AND
- Associate’s degree OR 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university
Benefits:
- Shift differential, special assignment, and on-call pay
- Overtime calculated on a 40 hour work week
- Portable Police Money Purchase Plan: 12% employee contribution and 12% city contribution
- Department funded retirement health savings account
- Free and convenient healthcare clinic
- Uniform dry cleaning with pick-up and drop-off at the station
- Full salary and benefits begin on day one
- Read the Complete Benefits Package
Police Officer
Annual Salary:
$84,532 to $111,836*
Detective
Annual Salary:
$93,693 to $123,964*
Master Police Officer
Annual Salary:
$116,876*
*Total includes 1.5% bonus for having a Bachelor’s Degree
JOIN THE TEAM — ARVADA POLICE DEPARTMENT
There’s a deep-rooted pride in becoming an officer. It’s a distinct accomplishment and crowning achievement. Our department knows that being a police officer requires a specific set of skills – skills that are learned, cultivated, and perfected over time. We take that training very seriously. We are Built Blue.
That’s why we’re looking for people who want to make a difference and embrace the challenge. If you are that person – looking for a rewarding career, and want to serve in a nationally recognized city, just northwest of Denver with quick access to the mountains – we want to hear from you.
GET HIRED SOONER WITH OUR PRE-ACADEMY PROGRAM
We prepare you for success in your career with the Arvada Police Department by providing:
- Physical Fitness Programs
- Local Geography
- Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) Training
- Policy & Procedure Training
- Work/life balance schedule
Receive a full salary and benefits from pre-academy through the fully funded Colorado POST law enforcement academy!
3 Ways to Contact Us - Message, Phone, or Text
Call a Recruiter
Officer Harney
(720) 898-6603
Email Officer Harney
Police Recruiter
Greg Miller
(720) 898-6663
Email Greg Miller
Send Us a Text
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Career
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Why Arvada PD?
The Arvada Police Department has been setting the standard of excellence since 1945. Named a CALEA Flagship agency, the Arvada PD prides itself on its dedication to accreditation, internal standards, and strong community relationships. Here’s how we do it:
Training and Equipment
Providing world-class training for driving, firearms, and more, along with cutting-edge mobile technology, state-of-the-art cars, and top-of-the-line safety gear.
Community Policing
Strong community relations make us who we are and our officers are an integral part of the community they serve.
Professionalism
Our department has been CALEA certified since 1986 and every one of our officers is college educated.
Right Size, Right Place
The Arvada PD is the right size with room to grow. Arvada is an idyllic location, just minutes from Denver and the Rocky Mountains.
The Basics
At the Arvada PD, we’re committed to respect for the law, our community, and one another. We are dedicated to service, professionalism, community engagement, public safety—and we will always strive for excellence. Check out the following requirements to see if you have what it takes to join our diverse and inclusive team and have a meaningful police career with extraordinary benefits.
Police Job Requirements
In order to apply for a police job, you must meet these qualifications:
Police Job Disqualifications
If you have any of the following, you are not eligible to work for the Arvada PD.
You are at Least 21 Years Old And...
You are a United States Citizen or possess proper I-9 documentation; also must be able to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
Criminal History
If you have been convicted of any felony, domestic violence, or any other disqualifying misdemeanor as identified by Colorado POST.
You have a Bachelor's Degree or Higher
There are no exceptions to our 4-year degree rule for new recruits. If you’re graduating soon, let us know!
Problematic Driving History
Applicants must have a current driver’s license. Additionally, we will not accept anyone who has any citation for reckless driving within the last 5 years, regardless of plea disposition.
You can Pass a Medical Evaluation and Background Check
This isn’t a physical fitness test and we aren’t just looking for criminal histories. We want to know that you are healthy, mature, self-disciplined, and ready to take on a challenging career.
Drug or Alcohol Use
We have a zero tolerance policy for those who have used marijuana, THC, or mushroom products within the last year, used hard drugs within the last five years, had a DUI(s) in the past three years (on a case by case basis), committed prescription fraud, and other like offenses.
You Meet the Requirements of Colorado POST
All sworn employees of the Arvada Police Department must obtain Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification.
Offensive Behavior
We pride ourselves on having Officers who uphold the strong character of the City of Arvada. You will be disqualified if you’ve ever falsified a written report, committed perjury, or had prior conduct that could bring discredit upon the Department.
Arvada Police Department Career Paths
Explore our diverse options and discover your next career path. Click on any police career path to learn more about the job. Want to see them all? Check out our police job descriptions page.
Administrative Officer
Develop policy, recruit new talent, and uphold professional standards in the Department
Patrol
Protect and Serve the City of Arvada, 24/7.
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Keep the community safe, all along the front range
School Resource Officer
Be a role model for our youngest community members and foster safe learning environments
Police Detective
Dig deep to solve criminal investigation cases.
Crime Scene Investigation
Solve crimes with science
Community Impact Team (CRIT)
Provide proactive policing to high-crime areas in our community
Field Training
Mentor the next generation of officers
Task Forces
Combat narcotics, organized, violent crimes, and others with local, state, and federal law enforcement teams
Arvada PD Benefits
The Arvada Police Department is a benefit rich agency with a focus on work life balance. If you join our team as a police officer, you can expect:
Competitive Market-Driven Salaries
Reviewed regularly to make sure you’re paid competitively.
Vacation and Sick Time
Begin your career with 40 hours of vacation time while earning additional vacation and sick time every month.
Great Insurance
Enjoy health coverage plus dental and vision options.
Equipment and Uniforms Provided
You buy your firearm. We’ll take care of everything else, including pick up and drop
Retirement Match and Extra Pay
We’ll match your retirement contribution at 12% of your salary and provide shift differential and on-call pay.
Four Day Work Week
How does a long weekend, every weekend sound? Enjoy 4/10 scheduling on an annual basis.